Cisplatin-induced emesis in the Ferret: a new animal model

The ferret, a carnivore weighing about 1 kg, was evaluated for its potential use in testing drugs for emetic and antiemetic activity. An acute emetic response to apomorphine indicated that the ferret can respond to emetic stimuli and suggested that the ferret has an emetic chemoreceptor trigger zone. Cisplatin produced a dose-related emetic response. Antagonism with metoclopramide provided complete protection from cisplatin-induced emesis. The results of these initial studies indicate that the ferret may be a useful species in emesis research.